GHS Marks World Breastfeeding Month 2026 With Call For Stronger Support For Mothers

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has joined the global community to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2026 and Ghana’s Breastfeeding Month, with a renewed call for stronger and more consistent support for every mother to breastfeed successfully.

In a press release, the Service said this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”, draws attention to the importance of tracking progress, learning from successful approaches, and improving the systems that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

The GHS noted that the first days and months of life are a period of great promise. It said breastmilk, though a mother’s natural and learned practice, has benefits that extend far beyond the mother-child dyad.

“Breastmilk prevents life-threatening illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, provides long-term protection against common allergies, contributes to increased cognitive development, and supports the optimal development of facial and dental muscles,” the statement said.

“It also programmes the body in the long term against fat storage, helping to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity in later life, and contributes to a productive workforce that supports the economic development of the nation.”

The Service said it will use this year’s commemoration to reinforce breastfeeding support across the primary healthcare system.

It will review existing gaps, adjust strategies, and build on its current approach of providing timely information, practical assistance and follow-up support to mothers and families at all service delivery points.

According to GHS, this commitment is in line with national priorities for improving maternal, newborn and child health, reducing malnutrition and preventable childhood illnesses, strengthening primary healthcare, and advancing Universal Health Coverage.

The Service called on fathers, families, and communities to encourage and assist breastfeeding mothers. It also urged employers to provide adequate maternity protection, flexible work arrangements, breastfeeding breaks, and safe spaces for mothers to express and store breastmilk.

“While the Service makes continuous efforts to improve care and support, these efforts must be complemented,” the release stated.

“This August, and beyond, let us stand with every breastfeeding mother. Let us protect what works, improve what needs attention, and ensure that no mother or child is left behind. Breastfeeding is not the responsibility of mothers alone. It is a shared national responsibility.”

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